General Discussions
This is the place to discuss general issues related to the U-boat war or the war at sea in WWII.
Re: On board cigarette and alcohol consumption
Posted by:
Cape Crusader
()
Date: August 18, 2021 10:09AM
Slightly off topic perhaps, but the Kriegsmarine did operate what could rightly be described as submersible off-licences during World War 11.
Type 1XC/40 U-1231, when escorted into Loch Eriboll for formal surrender to British forces was found to be carrying extensive stocks of French brandy, wines, spirits, tobacco, cigars and cigarettes and luxury foodstuffs for distribution to active U-boats at sea. These stocks were presumably liberated from intercepted enemy vessels or captured shore stations.
U-1231, commanded by Oblt Helmut Wicke, was escorted into Loch Eriboll at 1430 on 13 May 1945 after surfacing and signalling his intention to follow the capitulation arrangements two days earlier, by HMS RUPERT. Discovery of the U-boat's exotic cargo presented the British naval authorities in the far north of Scotland with something of a problem.
All of the unexpected excisable luxuries were transferred for safekeeping aboard HMS BYRON under the supervision of 1st Lt JDL Lepard. HMS RUPERT then escorted U-1231 from Loch Eriboll at 2300 on 13 May south to Loch Alsh, arriving at 1030 the following day. At Loch Alsh all remaining torpedoes and all but a skeleton steaking crew were removed prior to captured U-boats being assembled for escort onwards to Lisahally in Northern Ireland. HMS KEMPTHORNE escorted U-1231 along with U-1010, departing on 15 May and arriving the following day.
But what of the confiscated comestibles stored aboard HMS BYRON ?
Lt (later Commander) Repard recalled that when HMS BYRON next made landfall in Ulster the prescious liqours and wines had to be reported to the local excise authorities.
'More than a gross (i.e. 12 x 12) of bottles came on board and presented us with something of a security hazard, not least from the Belfast Customs. We need not have worried; after I had presented him with a list of what we had, the Customs Officer, being an Irish Gentleman, said "How do you know that the bottles contain what the Germans say they do ? You can't trust them. Maybe we'd better check a few".
'A few hours later we poured him ashore with the remaining bottles. "Never fear" he cried, vigorously waving his arms. "They will all go into Bond" '.
'There were wines and spirits, ovestamped WEHRMACHT, on sale in the Officers Club in Belfast the very next night'.
Type 1XC/40 U-1231, when escorted into Loch Eriboll for formal surrender to British forces was found to be carrying extensive stocks of French brandy, wines, spirits, tobacco, cigars and cigarettes and luxury foodstuffs for distribution to active U-boats at sea. These stocks were presumably liberated from intercepted enemy vessels or captured shore stations.
U-1231, commanded by Oblt Helmut Wicke, was escorted into Loch Eriboll at 1430 on 13 May 1945 after surfacing and signalling his intention to follow the capitulation arrangements two days earlier, by HMS RUPERT. Discovery of the U-boat's exotic cargo presented the British naval authorities in the far north of Scotland with something of a problem.
All of the unexpected excisable luxuries were transferred for safekeeping aboard HMS BYRON under the supervision of 1st Lt JDL Lepard. HMS RUPERT then escorted U-1231 from Loch Eriboll at 2300 on 13 May south to Loch Alsh, arriving at 1030 the following day. At Loch Alsh all remaining torpedoes and all but a skeleton steaking crew were removed prior to captured U-boats being assembled for escort onwards to Lisahally in Northern Ireland. HMS KEMPTHORNE escorted U-1231 along with U-1010, departing on 15 May and arriving the following day.
But what of the confiscated comestibles stored aboard HMS BYRON ?
Lt (later Commander) Repard recalled that when HMS BYRON next made landfall in Ulster the prescious liqours and wines had to be reported to the local excise authorities.
'More than a gross (i.e. 12 x 12) of bottles came on board and presented us with something of a security hazard, not least from the Belfast Customs. We need not have worried; after I had presented him with a list of what we had, the Customs Officer, being an Irish Gentleman, said "How do you know that the bottles contain what the Germans say they do ? You can't trust them. Maybe we'd better check a few".
'A few hours later we poured him ashore with the remaining bottles. "Never fear" he cried, vigorously waving his arms. "They will all go into Bond" '.
'There were wines and spirits, ovestamped WEHRMACHT, on sale in the Officers Club in Belfast the very next night'.
